bellaloco

chocolate with chilies is delicious...if you get a good brand! My brother brough be back some Lindt from Germany that was 75% dark chocolate with a cherry-chili filling. It was one of the best chocolate bars I have ever eaten! I haven't been able to find it in America though!

I don't deprive myself of anything...if you do, it's just like any other diet! If I want to eat a little bit of something sweet, I will do it, knowing damn well that I will either be in the gym for an extra 20 minutes, or exchanging it with something else I would have eaten that day. I've lost 5 pounds this week, and I've eaten a chocolate chip cookie, fudge covered pretzels, and a fun-size kit kat! I have also been at the gym every night burning around 800-1000 calories each night. It's an exchange program you have to learn to control...It does put things into perspective and makes you analyze how much you really want to eat something, and how hard you are willing to work so that you can eat it! If you can understand that control, I don't see any reason why you should feel you need to deprive yourself of something you love.

at my 50 pound loss I went Gwen Stefani platinum blonde and I LOVED it! I'm not considering new clothes as a reward until I get to my goal weight and can buy some designer stuff. For now, I just try to stay as cheap as possible with clothes-I only buy clearance rack stuff, and only when I absolutely NEED something-like when my jeans literally fall off me when I walk! I started a running program in November, with the goal that I would get me some kick-a$$ running shoes if I was able to stick with the program for 3 months...I just got my awesome brand new Nikes today! Here are the other rewards I have planned: onederland=a new purse-either a Dooney Bourke or Coach 100 lbs=some expensive new shoes Goal weight=True Religion Jeans

This is a great post! After a year of struggling with the band "rules" and not losing a SINGLE pound, I joined MFP last week, and I have already lost two pounds. I could go on forever about MFP and how wonderful it is. I though I was doing great, but I was still eating way too many calories and not realizing it. MFP has been a lifesaver for me...and it's only been a week. There are certain foods that I don't eat-not really because I choose not to, but more because I physically CAN'T eat them! I still enjoy the things I love-burgers I eat wrapped in lettuce, or with a fork and knife. Pizza-I have to eat thin crust and also eat with a fork and knife. Overall, I have changed my habits, but no one is perfect 100% of the time...I wouldn't want to live like that. A calorie is a calorie-if I want to splurge and eat something a little more on the unhealthy side, I know that I need to either skip on eating something else, or work extra hard at the gym! Thank you for such a wonderfuly post!

I have seen progress, especially since I started tracking my calories. I was never a fan of "counting" calories, but it has really helped me put things into perspective. Even though I was eating smaller portions, I still wasn't making the best food choices. I also have my first first fill in over a year scheduled for next Tuesday. I'm pretty certain that will help a lot!

I experienced the EXACT same thing...I lost about 50 pounds in the first 6 months, but then lost nothing for the next 8 or 9. For me, I think my body was just in shock and it had to do some major adjusting, but here are some things I tried that helped. 1-try the 5 day pouch test-http://www.5daypouchtest.com/ It will help you determine if your band is adjusted properly and kind of "re-teach" you all those rules you were following as a newbie. I lost 7 pounds after the 5 days and didn't gain any of it back 2-I joined myfitnesspal.com to track my calories and exercise. I found somedays that even though I thought I was doing well, I was consuming way too many calories. 3-you said you had a lot of free time. I suggest trying all different types of fitness classes to mix up your routine. If you have netflix, there are a lot of workouts you can stream...there are a couple Pilates ones I love. My current routine consists is-Monday: Pilates, Tues, Thurs: Sat-30 min Running, 30 min Elliptical, Sun: Either arm strength training and 30 min elliptical or 1 hr of swimming. Friday is my Free day-ya gotta have one or you'll go crazy! 4-On days I am down, I pull out a pair of my "fat" pants to remember how far I have come! Hope this helps, good luck!!

I had my surgery in the summer, so I pretty much lived off 7-11 Sugar Free slurpees for a week! SF Jello, crystal light. Try adding different flavors to your broth-lemon pepper, lime juice, cajun season, etc. I only had to do clear liquids for a week, and that first week just really sucks, but it is so worth it! Stay strong!

I haven't been able to do crunches or any other kind of core workouts since my surgery (June 2010). If I go slow, I can manage to get through Pilates, but that's about it. Even after a good, hard run I have a little pain. I have heard it is pretty normal, but I suggest talking to your doctor if it becomes unbearable.

I'm a big wine fan, was before surgery. I got some smaller glasses and limit myself to 1-2 a week. I found some sugar-free margarita mix made with Splenda that isn't too terrible. I also love Diet Cranberry with Crown Royal and lime juice. Just make sure you exercise more on the days you want to drink so you don't have to worry so much about the extra calories!

All of these food suggestions are great, but I have some non-food suggestions for you as well... Make sure you have some good "loungy" pants-like track pants or sweats. Something with a draw-string waist that will be non-irritating on your incisions. I also suggest a sports bra and slip-on shoes. That was my big mistake...I wore tennis shoes, thinking I would want something comfortable for when I was discharged...my hubby had to put them back on for me!

Costco has MM Lite in the ready made. They are great to grab in the morning during the work week. I think they are on special right now (until the end of January) $4 or $5 off. As for powder, I prefer the brand Pure Protein. I got mine at Target, but I know it is available at Walmart as well.

I have this theory that if I am going to "splurge" on something, it is going to be high quality and worth it! I never regularly keep chocolate in my house, but on days when I feel I absolutely "NEED" chocolate, I will get one piece of something really, really expensive and savor it. If you really crave chocolate all the time, I agree with the chocolate soymilk...Earth Balance brand is euphoric! I also resently discovered this chocolate oatmeal that is really good. If you go to their website (betteroats.com), you can find them near you.

I try to get at least 1200 NET calories every day...you really shouldn't be going any lower than that. On days I work out, I am burning 800-1000 calories, so I eat a little more. Don't feel guilty for eating more calories when you work out, your body needs them.

as someone who used to work in a public pool at a rec center, I would say to wait until you're incisions have healed...scabs and all. Public pools are an infection waiting to happen...trust me on this one! After that, have at it. Swimming is the only thing I absolutely LOVE, and it is a great full-body cardio and strength training workout